Sunday, July 18, 2010

It's Bermuda Cruise Season

Probably the most popular misconception about Bermuda is that it’s a Caribbean island. It isn’t.

Located in the North Atlantic, the nearest land mass is North Carolina, some 570 miles distant. Actually comprised of 150 tiny islands of volcanic origin, collectively Bermuda encompasses only 21 square miles of land. The locals tend to regard the connected islands as one and refer to the largest, Bermuda Island, simply as “the island.”

While Bermuda has dozens of resorts, small hotels, and cottages, a land vacation can be pricey. The best way to enjoy a Bermuda holiday is by ship. Cruises depart weekly from Boston and New York City, and less frequently from other ports such as Philadelphia and Baltimore. After spending a day and a half at sea, your ship will berth either in Hamilton, St. George, or King's Wharf (the Royal Naval Dockyard). The most desirable itineraries are those that include the former two city ports because the Dockyard's location is isolated, although new facilities offer shopping diversions and pubs. After spending a couple nights in either Hamilton or St. George, your ship will move to the other port for the remainder of your Bermuda stay. Ships at the Dockyard generally don't reposition.

The Gulf Stream’s warming effect insures a frost free, mild climate. Cruising "season" coincides with Bermuda's "high season"—April through October. A word of caution, this is also Atlantic "Hurricane Season" and your itinerary could be severely impacted if one blows your way. Sailing time to and from the US can range from mirror calm to rough and rocky, although the latter is uncommon.

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